Tree Trimming Cost

Regular trimming removes dead, diseased or crossing branches, lifts the canopy off your roof and keeps limbs away from wires. Regular maintenance helps prevent overgrowth and disease, and storm-damaged or overhanging branches can't wait.

This guide covers average prices per tree and by height, species and hourly rates, a breakdown of a typical job, and ways to save. If a tree is dead or too far gone to save, compare with our tree removal cost guide; for palms, see palm tree removal and trimming costs.

Average cost

Prices to trim one tree, national averages as of October 2026:

Tree trimming cost by height

Ranges vary by source; HomeGuide reports higher figures than Forbes Home and LawnStarter.

Cost by tree species

Cost breakdown: materials, labor, permits and extras

Line-item estimate for trimming one medium (30–60 ft) shade tree, including cleanup. Ranges are national, as of October 8, 2026.

Many tree services have a minimum job fee of about $100–$300, so small single-tree jobs cost more per tree.

What affects the price

• Height. Taller trees need climbing gear, rigging or a lift. Trimming under 30 ft costs about $85–$700, while trees over 60 ft can run $1,000–$2,500+.
• Number of trees. Most services price per tree, but grouping trees cuts the per-tree cost; HomeAdvisor notes pros often take about $100 off each additional tree.
• Species. Hardwoods and big canopies (oak, maple, pine) cost more, up to $1,500–$1,800, while small ornamentals like crepe myrtle run $80–$400.
• Access. A tree a lift can reach from the driveway is cheaper than one hemmed in by the house, fences or a steep slope, where crews have to climb and lower limbs by rope.
• Debris haul-away. Cleanup is sometimes extra: about $25–$250 for hauling, and chipping can run $75–$125 per hour on larger jobs.
• Proximity to power lines. Branches touching power lines need specialized crews. Utility companies often trim trees near their lines for free, so call yours before hiring a private service.

Ways to save

• Trim several trees in one visit. Bundling spreads the crew's travel and setup cost and often earns a per-tree discount.
• Schedule regular maintenance pruning instead of waiting for overgrowth or storm damage; HomeGuide notes emergency work almost always costs more than planned maintenance.
• Call your electric utility first if branches are near power lines; they often handle that trimming at no cost.
• Keep the chips for mulch or haul small branches yourself if the crew discounts for skipping cleanup.
• Get at least three written quotes that list the same scope (deadwood removal, crown thinning, clearance from the roof) so you can compare like for like.

Related questions people ask

How much does tree trimming cost?

Tree trimming costs about $250–$900 per tree, with averages of $450–$650. Expect under $100 for a small ornamental and $1,000–$2,500+ for a tree over 60 ft.

What is the cost of tree trimming per hour?

Tree crews typically charge about $25–$80 per hour per worker, and certified arborists bill $75–$200 per hour. Most companies quote a flat price per tree instead, with a minimum job fee of about $100–$300.

How to get an accurate quote

Ask at least three licensed, insured tree services for written quotes after an in-person visit. Give each the same information:

• The number of trees, their species and approximate heights.
• What you want done: deadwood removal, crown thinning, raising the canopy, or clearing limbs off the roof or wires.
• Access details: fences, slopes, nearby structures and whether a truck can reach the trees.
• Ask whether cleanup, chipping and haul-away are included, and request proof of liability and workers' compensation insurance.

FAQ

Do tree services charge a minimum fee?

Many do. HomeGuide reports minimum job fees of about $100–$300+, so having one small tree trimmed can cost nearly as much as a medium one. Combining several trees in one visit gets more value from the minimum.

Who pays to trim trees near power lines?

Branches touching or near utility lines are generally the electric company's responsibility, and utilities often trim them for free. Call your utility before paying a private crew, and never trim near lines yourself.

Is tree trimming cheaper than removal?

Usually. Trimming a medium tree costs about $250–$900, while removing the same tree typically runs $400–$1,200 before stump grinding.

Prices are estimates and vary by location and provider. See our methodology and editorial policy. Browse all yard & pests cost guides.